Rhode Island Eviction Notice Overview
Rhode Island requires a 20-day notice for lease violations under R.I.G.L. §34-18-36. There is no 14-day notice. The Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides moderate tenant protections. Evictions are filed in District Court. Providence County handles the majority of filings.
Rhode Island’s 20-day cure period is longer than most neighboring New England states (Connecticut uses 15 days, Massachusetts 14 for non-payment). For non-payment, a 15-day notice is required. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the busiest jurisdictions.
20 Days
Statutory minimum
$80–$120
District Court filing
Written
Notice required
6–10 Wks
Total process
Rhode Island’s 20-Day Notice for Violations
Under R.I.G.L. §34-18-36, if a tenant commits a material noncompliance, the landlord must give 20 days’ written notice. If the tenant cures within 20 days, the tenancy continues. For repeat violations within 6 months, a 20-day unconditional quit notice may be served.
Rhode Island Notice Periods
20-day cure: Lease violations (§34-18-36)
15-day notice: Non-payment of rent (§34-18-35)
20-day unconditional: Repeat within 6 months
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Rhode Island
- Unauthorized pets
- Unauthorized occupants
- Noise complaints
- Property damage
- Failure to maintain
- Operating businesses without permission
Rhode Island Legal Requirements
Rhode Island courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Required under the RLTA
- 20-Day Period: Provide exactly 20 days to cure
- Specific Violation: Describe the breach
- Termination Warning: State consequences
- Landlord Info: Name, address, phone
Serving the Notice in Rhode Island
Proper service is critical in Rhode Island. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand to tenant.
Certified Mail
Via certified mail.
Post and Mail
Post on door and mail.
Rhode Island Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Rhode Island, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Rhode Island Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Rhode Island. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing | $80 – $120 |
| Constable Service | $30 – $55 |
| Writ Execution | $40 – $75 |
| Attorney Fees | $800 – $2,000 |
Sample Rhode Island Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Rhode Island-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under RI law.
20-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. §34-18-36
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Rhode Island Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have twenty (20) days to cure the above violation. Failure to cure will terminate your rental agreement.